EJAE opens up about her excitement over KPop Demon Hunters’ Oscar nominations

EJAE’s wild Oscar reaction

When EJAE saw her name among the Oscar nominees, she screamed so loudly it startled her fiancé. The moment reflected a decade of effort, training, and perseverance, culminating in recognition for her work on the chart-topping hit “Golden”.

She co-wrote the song with Mark Sonnenblick and a team of writers and producers that include Joong Gyu Kwak Teddy Park and Ido and she performs as part of HUNTR/X alongside Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna.

Billboard success before Oscars

Golden didn’t just catch the Oscars’ attention; it dominated the charts. Spending eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 18 weeks atop the Global 200, the song captured audiences worldwide, proving K-pop’s mainstream appeal.

Fans streamed the track nonstop, creating viral moments across social media and TikTok. Its success signaled that animated films could deliver chart-topping hits, and it cemented HUNTR/X as a cultural phenomenon, blending catchy melodies with authentic K-pop influences.

Bringing HUNTR/X to life

EJAE performed alongside REI AMI and Audrey Nuna, giving voice to HUNTR/X in KPop Demon Hunters. Their collaboration brought energy, emotion, and authenticity to the animated group, making fans feel connected to the characters and their story.

Songwriting and production credits span several collaborators, including Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Teddy Park, and Ido, whose combined work helped shape a sound grounded in K-pop influences.

Every vocal line, melody, and lyric was carefully crafted to resonate with listeners, demonstrating how animation, music, and cultural representation could come together.

The moment news hit

EJAE was FaceTiming her co-writer when the nomination announcement arrived, replaying the news multiple times in disbelief. Her reaction captured the thrill and surprise of achieving something she had worked toward for years without any guarantee of recognition.

Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans also discovered their nominations early in the morning. Their immediate excitement, shared laughter, and expressions of shock reflected the emotional impact of awards season.

Family and laughter

Chris Appelhans’ young son noticed his father’s excitement but didn’t fully grasp the Oscars. Curious about trophies, he asked if his dad would get one, adding humor to a high-pressure industry moment and showing the human side of awards celebrations.

The memory became a shared family story, illustrating how success can ripple beyond professional life. It highlighted that even the most prestigious achievements can coexist with ordinary domestic moments.

Golden Globes victories

Before the Oscars, Golden already won Best Original Song at the Golden Globes. The animated film also took home Best Animated Picture, signaling strong industry recognition and fueling excitement for the upcoming Academy Awards.

Winning early awards generated buzz for fans worldwide, confirming that the collaboration between musicians, animators, and writers resonated across demographics. These achievements reinforced the film’s cultural significance.

From idol training to songwriting

EJAE spent years training with SM Entertainment as a K-pop trainee before being dropped in 2015 and then shifting her focus to songwriting. Despite setbacks, she pursued songwriting, determined to make a lasting impact behind the scenes and create music that could chart globally.

Her transition demonstrated adaptability and resilience, shifting focus from performing to crafting hits. By embracing a different role in the music industry, she achieved her dream of contributing to a Billboard Hot 100 hit.

A childhood dream realized

Growing up in New Jersey, EJAE loved K-pop but often felt isolated because it was niche. Few people around her understood her passion, but she stayed committed, dreaming of a day when her favorite music could reach the wider world.

Now, seeing Golden achieve global success and watching fans of all backgrounds sing along in Korean feels surreal. Her childhood dream came true, showing that following one’s interests, even if unconventional, can lead to extraordinary achievements later in life.

K pop breaking barriers

EJAE and Maggie Kang love seeing K-pop celebrated internationally. Real-life idols, like SEVENTEEN, thanked them for introducing audiences to the culture, showing that animated projects can meaningfully expand K-pop’s influence.

By presenting K-pop authentically, the film bridges cultural gaps. Fans who may have had little exposure to Korean music now experience its energy, style, and storytelling, proving that well-crafted entertainment can both educate and entertain.

Inspiration from global concerts

Director Chris Appelhans recalls attending BTS concerts in Los Angeles. Watching fans of all ethnicities sing and dance along inspired him to reflect cultural diversity and passion in the film’s musical choices.

For EJAE, seeing her character’s Korean braid replicated on New York streets symbolizes the global reach of K-pop. Fans not only enjoy the music but also emulate its style, demonstrating how art and culture can transcend borders, inspire creativity, and build enthusiastic communities worldwide.

Fans dressed as HUNTR/X

Across the U.S., kids dress as HUNTR/X characters for Halloween, adopting fierce looks rather than traditional princess costumes. Their enthusiasm reflects the influence of empowering female characters in music and animation.

EJAE sees this as proof of Golden’s cultural impact. The song motivates creativity, confidence, and inclusion, showing that animated characters and music can inspire young people to express themselves boldly while connecting with global trends and appreciating different cultures.

Sequel secrets

The musical direction for a rumored sequel remains a mystery. EJAE and Maggie Kang keep fans guessing with a simple “TBD,” building anticipation for what comes next without giving away surprises.

Even with awards piling up, the team doesn’t feel pressure. Instead, recognition motivates them to continue creating music and animation that’s authentic, exciting, and culturally meaningful while ensuring future projects remain as innovative and engaging as the original.

Find out how Kelly Clarkson’s emotional performance of a K-pop Demon Hunters song left her in tears and brought the music to life on stage.

Opening doors for others

As a Korean American woman, EJAE knows representation matters in music and film. Her success inspires other artists from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue their passions confidently. Her journey proves that persistence and creativity pay off.

From idol training to songwriting and performing, she demonstrates that achieving dreams often takes unconventional paths, showing audiences that dedication, talent, and authenticity can make a lasting difference in the industry.

See how KPop Demon Hunters captured global audiences, topped Netflix’s charts, and became the must-watch animated hit that’s redefining K-pop in film.

What do you think about EJAE’s Oscar nomination and the global rise of K-pop? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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